Faculty Spotlight: Sean McCollough

Meet our November Faculty Spotlight, Sean McCollough, Distinguished Lecturer in the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music.

1. Tell us about your instructional background.

I have taught musicology at UT for 28 years. Initially, I was an adjunct, so I also taught at Tusculum, Maryville, and Carson-Newman to make ends meet. I began my first semester at UT teaching Music of Appalachia. The History of Rock and Music in Western Culture was quickly added to my roster. I’ve taught a handful of other things over the years and currently teach Music of Appalachia, The History of Rock, and The History of Country Music. Four years ago, I also began directing the UT Appalachian Strings – a student ensemble comprising several bands that play bluegrass, old-time, and other Americana music.

2. TLI values the teaching philosophies of the university’s faculty.

I love to teach. I don’t consider myself an expert, but I’m interested in sharing the knowledge I have in a way that inspires students to be curious, think critically, and become lifelong learners.

In my recent work with the ensemble, my goal is to inspire students to cultivate a sustainable music practice that enriches their lives beyond the classroom.

3. With these examples in mind, would you please share how you have been able to positively impact your students?

I have shared a love for and curiosity about music with thousands of students. I hope that some of them have come away from my courses thinking critically about connections between the music and things that matter to their own lives and to our global society.

In the string-band ensemble, I provide a unique opportunity for students to connect through music performance in a way that I see them carrying outside of the classroom and beyond graduation.

4. In your years of teaching students, do you have a specific experience that you draw on or a highlight that has significantly impacted your career?

I have played music semi-professionally for over 30 years. I still play and record with my wife in a band called The Lonetones. I am connected to the local music scene and know many musicians who tour nationally and internationally. Being directly engaged with the world of music performance boosts my enthusiasm for teaching music and provides an added perspective that enhances my teaching.

5. Based on your experiences and the professional perspective you have shared, what do you think about the future of teaching, learning, and faculty life in higher education?

I am consistently inspired by the bright and engaged students and faculty at UT and expect them to boldly carry higher education into the future. But I do think we are at a tipping point. I worry that rapidly changing technologies could outpace our ability to deal with them effectively. And I fear the potential negative impacts of political disruption. My hope is that, as a community of learners, we can face these challenges in a thoughtful and forward-thinking manner.